Our Services / Braces

What are braces?

Braces are dental appliances that gradually shift teeth into optimal alignment. Traditional metal braces use a system of brackets, wires, and elastics to place gentle pressure on teeth. 

While traditional metal braces remain a popular option, several other choices are available. The DamonⓇ Smile system uses a self-ligating approach that does not require elastics to hold the treatment wire in place. For those who want to avoid the look and feel of metal brackets, DamonⓇ Clear delivers the same results with clear brackets. 

Tray-based alignment systems like InvisalignⓇ and the Spark™ Clear Aligner System offer the chance to straighten your smile without attaching brackets to the surface of your teeth. These systems use removable plastic trays to shift teeth into optimal positioning. 

What can braces do to improve my smile?

Braces can correct numerous alignment issues. Best of all, advanced technology allows you to “see” what your smile will look like after treatment using predictive modeling software and digital scanning.

Braces can correct general misalignment, as well as cases where your upper teeth extend too far over your lower teeth, a common condition called an overbite. An underbite is when the upper teeth close within the line of your lower teeth, and an open bite is when upper and lower teeth don’t meet when you bite down. 

Braces can also correct crowding, which occurs when there is insufficient room in your jaw for teeth to align properly. A mix of baby and permanent teeth is also common and can be treated using braces.

What is the process for getting braces?

The planning stage is perhaps the most important part of getting braces, and it begins during your initial visit. X-rays and digital imaging gather data on the exact alignment of your teeth and bone tissue.

The resulting images, along with a visual examination of your teeth, give your practitioner the information needed to shape your treatment plan. You’ll discuss which alignment systems offer the best results for your specific needs. In some cases, one or more teeth need to be extracted to make room for optimal alignment.

If you decide to move forward with braces, the brackets are adhered to the surface of your teeth using a special type of dental cement. Next, the treatment wire is secured to place gentle pressure on your teeth. This flexible archwire controls the movement of teeth during treatment. 

In addition to these standard braces components, Hanachi Orthodontics also offers state-of-the-art dental appliances to help correct your smile. Some of the available devices include:

• Headgear
• HerbstⓇ appliance
• ForsusⓇ Fatigue Resistant Device
• Palatal expander
• Spacers
• Positioners
• Retainers
• Twin block appliance

When you’re ready to learn more about how braces can transform your smile, call the office to book a visit or schedule using the easy online booking tool.